Self-guided walking holidays in the Canary Islands
The year-round sunshine and staggering variety of landscapes make the Canary Islands a renowned hiking paradise. Away from the beaches and parasols the Canary Islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Gomera boast dramatic mountainous interiors and some of the world’s most spectacular trails. It is surprisingly easy to escape the tourist crowds and discover volcanic deserts with bizarre rock formations, deep canyons, and shady pine forests. From challenging mountain trails to coastal walks along plunging cliffs, the Canary Islands have walks to suit all hikers. Each island has its own character, but they all offer exhilarating hiking terrain combined with pretty colonial villages and breathtaking ocean views.
The weather is pleasant weather all year round but is particularly suitable for winter walking holidays. Located just off the coast of Africa, on the Canary Islands you can escape the long dark winters of Northern Europe and walk in a T-shirt and shorts among exotic flowers under bright blue skies.
With around 4,800 hours of sunshine a year, Gran Ganaria is the sunniest place in Europe. Its beach resorts are no secret, but far more impressive is the island’s dramatic mountainous interior. On our Gran Canaria walking holiday, you will discover an epic landscape of sunken calderas and volcanic outcrops that is reminiscent of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, as well as shaded pine forests, lush fertile valleys and charming colonial villages.
Tenerife is dominated by Mount Teide, which is a dormant volcano and Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 m. The area around Teide offers excellent hiking opportunities amid a weird and wonderful desert moonscape. In the coastal areas of the north and west you will find lush forests, banana plantations and dramatic plunging cliffs. Our self-drive walking holiday on Tenerife allows you to combine the very best walking routes and most charming accommodation on the island. If you do not want to rent a car, we also have a Tenerife walking holiday with taxi transfers and luggage transportation.
A short ferry ride away from Tenerife, La Gomera feels like a different world. You won’t find many beach tourists here! Listen out for the islanders’ ancient whistling language silbo as you walk La Gomera’s extensive network of trails through lush valleys and tropical rain forest, with wonderful views to the towering Mount Teide across the ocean on Tenerife.
Whichever island you choose, our hand-picked accommodation and detailed walking notes ensure you have everything you need for a perfect walking holiday.
